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In case you missed it, here’s a recap of recent media coverage and content posted to sccpss.comSchools Exit TSI/CSI Lists | PAGE 5SCAP POP @ Southwest MS | PAGE 6CAE Spelling Bee | PAGE 7Teacher of the Year | PAGES 11 & 12Student Success Expo | PAGE 14

Savannah-Chatham County Public School System208 Bull Street, Savannah, GA 31401S. Denise Watts, Ed.D.Superintendent of SchoolsRoger Moss Board PresidentDenise R. GrabowskiDistrict One; Vice PresidentDr. Dionne Hoskins-BrownDistrict Two RepresentativeCornelia H. HallDistrict Three Representative Shawn A. KashmarDistrict Four RepresentativePaul E. SmithDistrict Five; Vice President Pro-TemporeDr. David BringmanDistrict Six RepresentativeMichael JohnsonDistrict Seven RepresentativeDr. Tonia Howard-HallDistrict Eight RepresentativeMISSION: Together, we ignite and foster lifelong learning at the highest levels for allVISION: From school to the world; All students prepared to be successful and productive citizensTABLE OFCONTENTS1 | February 2024Message from the SuperintendentBoard RecapStudent of the MonthSchools Exit TSI/CIS Lists2023 CCRPI Results Show SCCPSS Students Making GainsSCAD POP @ Southwest MSDistrict Spelling BeeAttendance MattersSCCPSS Ghost Pirates NightBuddy Carter Visits Windsor Forest HSMayor Johnson and Amazon Donate School Supplies Teacher of the Year GalaJenkins 2nd Annual International NightSavannah Arts Academy Fashion ShowStudent Success Expo234556789101011-12131314

communications@sccpss.com and we will be sure to get your connected with the SCCPSS family!I hope you will stay connected with us through our various communication channels and actively participate in the myriad of opportunities available to support our students' growth and development.Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Together, we will continue to inspire, empower, and elevate our school community to new heights.Warm regards,S. Denise Watts, Ed.D.Superintendent’s MessageFebruary 2024 | 2Dear Friends,I’m excited to share our “new and improved” In Case You Missed It with you. This monthly newsletter is full of stories you may have missed from our media partners and our own communications team. It also includes highlights from our latest board meeting.As we continue our exciting academic journey, I am filled with a sense of pride and gratitude for the opportunity to serve as your Superintendent. Our collective commitment to excellence continues to inspire me each day.While we navigate the challenges and triumphs of the academic year, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for the unwavering support of our entire school community. Your dedication to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment is truly commendable, and it lays the foundation for our students' success both inside and outside the classroom. We remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering a culture of academic excellence, innovation, and collaboration. Together, there is no limit to what we can achieve.This newsletter serves as evidence to some of the remarkable achievements and milestones we have accomplished together. From academic accolades to staff achievements, each accomplishment is a testament to the hard work and determination of our students, teachers, and staff. I urge you to share this newsletter with your friends, colleagues, and family. If you received this from a friend and want to receive it in your inbox, just reach out to our communications team at

3 | February 2024Video highlights from the February Board Meeting from Public Information Manager Sheila Blanco. CLICK HERE TO WATCH.February Board Meeting RecapStrategic Plan UpdatesAt the Informal Meeting, David Feliciano, Chief Data and Accountability Officer, presented an update to the District’s Strategic Plan. The presentation included an overview of updated Strategic Priorities and Key Performance Indicators. The updated plan includes Intentional Strategic Alignment with the Superintendent’s Entry Plan Report. The Strategic Plan document is available on SCCPSS.com for public comment. Learn more here or at sccpss.com.Click here to submit your feedbackPublic Comment Sought For Strategic PlanNational School Counseling WeekThe Board proclaimed February 5–9 2024, as National School Counseling Week as a way to recognize school counselors who are actively committed to helping students explore their abilities, strengths, interests, and talents as these traits related to career awareness and their ongoing academic development. Learn more here.Textbook Contract ApprovedThe Board approved a contract in the amount of $20,387,665 with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt to provide a comprehensive Tier 1 Reading/English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum resource to be implemented at all elementary, middle, and high schools throughout the District. The purchase also includes Waggle and Writeable. Waggle is a digital personalized learning platform that extends learning through differentiated instruction in the five pillars of reading. Learn more here.Upcoming EventsFEBRUARY 15, 2024 | Capital Improvement Committee Meeting | Whitney Administrative Complex | 9:00 a.m.FEBRUARY 21, 2024 | Finance Advisory Committee Meeting | Whitney Administrative Complex | 9:00 a.m. FEBRUARY 22, 2024 | Audit Committee Meeting | Whitney Administrative Complex | 8:00amMARCH 6, 2024 | Informal Meeting of the Board of Public Education | Whitney Administrative Complex | 3:00 p.m.MARCH 6, 2024 | Formal Meeting of the Board of Public Education | Whitney Administrative Center | 6:00 p.m.

Superintendent’s Student of the MonthOLIVIA SHOCKEY, Savannah Arts Academy Our Student of the Month for January is a tenth grader at Savannah Arts Academy. This outstanding student is a member of the Theater Club, the International Club, and a nominee for the Governor’s Honor Program! In addition, she volunteers with animal adoption programs and shelters for animals in need. Our honoree recently expressed her desire to pursue studying foreign languages in the future. Our nominee, Mr. Bunch, had this to say about our student: “I think this student should be selected for the student of the month because she is a humble student. She does not seek accolades for her brilliance, but she so very much deserves to be recognized for her hard work and dedication to academia. I imagine being selected for Student of the Month would come as a huge surprise to her because she is so soft-spoken, but I want her to know that we see her value... I want her to know that the whole district sees her and values students like her who work hard for the simple love of learning and self-betterment.” Our Superintendent’s Student of the Month for January 2024 is Olivia Shockey! Olivia is taking home multiple gifts from our community partners – gift cards from Members First Credit Union, Georgia United Credit Union, Plant Riverside District Gelato, Savannah Music Festival, and The Five Spot restaurant; plus merchandise from Advertising Specialties, Savannah State University, Georgia Southern University, Gulfstream, and Bahama Joes. Olivia and students of her English/Language Arts class will receive printed copies of her favorite book – Will Always Write Back: How One Letter Changed Two Lives by Caitlin Alifirernka– from our sponsor E. Shaver Booksellers. Lastly, she will take home a portrait by Upscale Photography provided by Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools. Again, congratulations to Olivia, her family, and the Savannah Arts Academy family! And special thanks to nominator Cameron Bunch.February 2024 | 4“I love learning about the history and cultural implications of vocabulary and how languages have evolved. Language is connected to every single academic subject - even Math"Olivia ShockeySavannah Arts Academy

5 | February 20242023 CCRPI Results Show SCCPSS Students Making GainsFive Schools Exit GaDOE TSI/CSI Lists2023 School Year CCRPI component scores indicate that students across all three grade bands – elementary, middle, and high school - of SCCPSS are demonstrating positive academic growth. Though Content Mastery scores fell below the state, SCCPSS student did make gains from SY 2022 to SY 2023 that were higher than state gains.SCCPSS students showed the strongest performance in the Progress, Closing Gaps, and Graduation Rate components. The district outperformed the state in one or more grade bands in each of those categories. Over 75% of SCCPSS schools exceeded the state in at least one component and grade band and the District outperformed the state on the Closing Gaps component across all three grade bands. The Closing Gaps score comparison with the state shows: Grades K-5 SCCPSS = 100/State = 66.7; Grades 6-8 SCCPSS = 80.6/State = 52.5; Grades 9-12 SCCPSS = 77.7/State = 67.5Seventeen SCCPSS schools earned a score of 100 in at least one component and grade band. Those school are: A.B. Williams Elementary, Butler Elementary, Heard Elementary, Hodge Elementary, May Howard Elementary, J.G. Smith Elementary, Shuman Elementary, Esther F. Garrison School for the Arts, New Hampstead K8, Myers Middle School, Beach High School, Savannah Early College, Woodville Tompkins High School, Savannah Classical Academy, Susie King Taylor Community School, Tybee Island Maritime Academy, Savannah-Chatham E-Learning Academy.On January 9th, the Georgia Department of Education released the 2023-2024 lists of schools identified for additional support, as required by federal law, along with the list of 86 schools which made the improvements needed in one year to exit identified status.Five of our schools have officially exited the Georgia Department of Education CSI and TSI lists. These students, teachers, principals, and support staff have been working tirelessly every single day to make this happen. Please join us in congratulating them for all their hard work!(L-R) DeRenne Middle - Principal Tammy BroadnaxLargo-Tibet Elementary - Principal Jennie ThompsonOtis J. Brock, III Elementary - Former Principal Selina Ruth-Gillans and current Principal Dr. Desma PattersonWindsor Forest Elementary - Principal Dr. J'Nai Gilbert-CollinsA.B. Williams Elementary- Principal Dr. Tony Foy (Not pictured)

February 2024 | 6SCAD SERVE takes "Paint Our Parks" to Southwest Middle SchoolSince December 2023, SCAD SERVE students, faculty, and staff have been working on a mural on the basketball court of Southwest Middle School as a part of the "Paint Our Parks" (POP) initiative. The mural was presented to students, faculty, and staff at Southwest Middle School on Thursday, January 11th, 2024. This is the largest POP project SCAD SERVE has completed to date. Paula Wallace, the founder and president of SCAD, created Paint Our Parks, a unique university initiative that aims to serve the communities of Savannah and Atlanta by utilizing the ingenuity, knowledge, and generosity of SCAD's extraordinarily gifted student and alumni body. Six playground murals have been painted in Savannah since the initiative's inception in the fall of 2021. The first playground mural in the Savannah region was created at Coastal Middle School in the fall of 2022. Southwest Middle School Dean of Students Dr. Nikki Jackson said, "On behalf of Southwest Middle School, I would like to share our deepest gratitude to the SCAD POP initiative. This work of public art transforms and uplifts not only our school community, it also connects our school to the world. Our Eagles are perched high in the sky awaiting take off, and ourSCAD POP mural will further guide Southwest Middle School scholars, families, and community to higher heights as a space for togetherness, exploration, conversation, and especially learning."The Paint Our Parks initiative was developed as a partnership between Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools and the Savannah College of Art and Design. SCCPSS is grateful for the generous donations of resources and services for the beautification of our learning sites. To see more pictures of the Paint Our Parks project at Southwest Middle School, click here .

“EXCELLENCE MATTERS”Roger MossBoard PresidentChatham Association of Educators Hosts Annual District Spelling Bee at Savannah State UniversityDeverell Goldson8th Grade | STEM AcademyOn Tuesday, January 23rd, 3rd-8th grade students from across the district competed in the annual Chatham Association of Educators (CAE) Spelling Bee at Savannah State University. These students all did an outstanding job! We are so proud of each of them for their hard work and commitment. Our Spelling Bee winner was Deverell Goldson, an 8th grader at The STEM Academy! Deverell will goon to represent SCCPSS in the region competition. Lucas Norman, a 5th grader at May Howard Elementary, and Helena Nguyen, a 6th grader at New Hampstead K-8, were our second and third-place winners. Each of these students took home gifts made possible by sponsorships from Savannah State University, Savannah State University College of Education , Savannah City Council, Savannah Police Department, Savannah College of Art and Design, MOORE BOOKS, and the Mailbox Cafe.This high honor roll student is enthusiastic about STEM, according to his teachers. He is an active class participant and works hard to expand his knowledge through activities and assignments. When he is not winning the Science Olympiad, the Science Bee, or the Reading Bowl, you can find this scholar on the soccer pitch in Pooler, volunteering for his church, or helping out at the local food pantry. When asked what motivates him for academic success, our student replied “I am motivated to strive for academic success because I believe that I should make use of the opportunities people before us have fought for. Additionally, I was taught that education is the key to improve not only one person’s life, but to improve the world as a whole." 7 | February 2024

February 2024 | 8Get InvolvedInterested in getting involved with our schools? Simply log on to create a profile, then browse the opportunities to mentor, read, beautify, and more! Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our students and strengthen the bonds that make our community truly exceptional!Register online at vista.sccpss.com#AttendTodayAchieveTomorrowIn the journey of education, one fundamental aspect often overlooked is consistent attendance. Whether in kindergarten or high school, regular attendance plays a pivotal role in shaping a student's academic success and overall well-being.Attendance is the cornerstone of academic success! Being present in class isn't just about filling seats; it's about seizing opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. Each day matters in shaping your educational journey.Regular attendance lays the foundation for academic achievement. Attending school consistently ensures that students are present for vital lessons, classroom discussions, and interactive activities that foster learning. Each day missed represents an opportunity lost to grasp new concepts, engage with peers, and receive valuable guidance from educators. By prioritizing attendance, we empower students to stay on track academically, contributing to their long-term success. Click here to learn more.

9 | February 2024Savannah Ghost Pirates Host SCCPSS Appreciation Night at the EnMarket ArenaIt was an exciting night at the EnMarket Arena for the Ghost Pirates SCCPSS Appreciation Night Event! Students, staff, and community members gathered for a night of fun as the Savannah Ghost Pirates took on the Orlando Solar Bears. Dr. Watts and her team, along with Dr. David Bringman, District Seven representative, 2024 Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Raegan Dillon (STEM Academy), and Instructional Support Person of the Year, Mr. Moses McNeil (Hubert Middle), kicked the game off with a zamboni ride across the ice! After the zamboni ride, Dr. Watts kicked off the game by dropping the puck on the ice.Students from Sol. C. Johnson High School performed a beautiful rendition of God Bless America, followed by a solo performance of the National Anthem. The night concluded with a 3-2 overtime win for the Savannah Ghost Pirates! A portion of the proceeds from the ticket sales that night were donated to the Educate Chatham Foundation to support student scholarships.

February 2024 | 10United States Rep.Buddy Carter Visits Students at Windsor Forest High SchoolOn January 4th, 2024, United States Representative Buddy Carter stopped by Windsor Forest High School to speak with students in American Government. Representative Carter is one of many political figures who have been invited to speak to the American Government class at Windsor Forest High School. The American Government teacher, Mr. Brown, wants students to have an opportunity to meet various politicians and government officials to learn more about our local, state, and federal government systems. Representative Carter gave an introduction where he discussed his experience growing up in the Savannah/Pooler area, how he began his career in the pharmaceutical industry, and how he began his political career. During this time, he focused on building a connection with the students. After his introduction, he invited students to ask him questions about anything they would like. Most of the questions were students asking how Mr. Carter entered politics, why he chose to enter politics, and what a typical day looks like for him. Mayor Johnson andAmazon Donate School Supplies to Various SCCPSS SchoolsMayor Van Johnson, in partnership with Amazon, donated school supplies to various schools across the district. These schools include Haven Elementary, Brock Elementary, Gadsden Elementary, and Andrea B. Williams Elementary. We want to give a HUGE thanks to Mayor Johnson and the Amazon team for their continued support of our students. These supplies will benefit the students at these schools and allow them to have a strong finish to the school year. View our reel here.

11 | February 2024District Teacher of the Year Named at Annual GalaThe annual Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools Teacher of the Year Gala was held Friday, February 2, 2024, at the Marriott Savannah Riverfront. Fifty-seven teachers were honored from nearly every school in the District, and Emily Graham of Islands High School was named the 2025 Teacher of the Year.As a representative of the many quality teachers across the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, the District's Teacher of the Year is honored with the distinction of having the Flag of Learning and Liberty proudly displayed at their school. In addition to leading the Professional Senate for Savannah-Chatham educators, the District Teacher of the Year acts as an ambassador, visiting local schools throughout the year, taking part in school board meetings, and representing the district at various events throughout the area. Ms. Graham will also continue for consideration in the state-level Teacher of the Year program.See more photos from the Gala here.

February 2024 | 12Congratulations to Emily Grahamfor being selected as the 2025 District Teacher of the Year!Music has always been at the core of Emily Graham’s life. She grew up in a musical family with two band directors as parents. She and her brother took piano lessons, and she eventually picked up the flute in 5th grade band. Joining the band was an exciting, new experience!Her most memorable moments came from experiences like All-State Band and the Governor’s Honors Program, where she enjoyed herself immensely because the other students were as deeply immersed as she was. When it was time to graduate high school, Graham asked herself: what career would be most fulfilling? How could she be of service to others? In what area would her talents be best put to use? Ultimately, teaching band was her calling. Graham went on to attend Columbus State University, earning her Bachelor of Music in Music Education followed by her Master of Music in Music Education.As Graham completed her graduate degree, she learned of a new high school opening in her hometown of Savannah, Georgia. It is a rare and special opportunity for a band director to start a program from scratch, and that’s exactly what Graham got to do at Islands High School. This is her fourteenth year teaching 9th through 12th grade band at Islands. In that time, she has grown the band program, instrument and music library, started a marching band and jazz band, composed the Islands Fight Song and the music for the Alma Mater, and most recently started teaching AP Music Theory.

13 | February 2024H.V. Jenkins Student Council Hosts 2nd Annual International NightThe Warrior Council of the H.V. Jenkins High School hosted their second annual International Night on Friday, January 19th, and it was enjoyed by all. The event started with students and alumni celebrating their cultures with displays of dance from around the world. From Jamaica to India and locations in between, attendees were delighted with traditional music, costume, and dance from multiple countries. The second portion of the event included food tasting from over twenty different countries and cultures. These countries and cultures were all represented by current students and their families. This event is part of the ongoing mission of the Warrior Council to make their school a welcoming environment for all students. Every aspect of this event, from the original idea to hosting and execution, were all completed by the students themselves. The advisor, Dr. Kamykowski believes "The most effective way to teach students about leadership is to let them have the opportunity to make a difference in their school and community.”The Warrior Council would like to make sure that the school administration, campus security, and our wonderful participants should be given a huge note ofgratitude for helping to make this event a success. It is their hope to continue this new tradition and make next year's event even bigger and better. Photos here.Savannah Arts Academy Hosts Annual Fashion ShowOn Friday, January 26th, Savannah Arts Academy for Visual and Performing Arts held their annual talent show. The theme for this year, “Metaphysical Aquatica”, challenged students to incorporate mystical and aquatic themes into their creations.Dr. Watts began the show as she modeled a beautiful dress custom-designed by SAA staff member Thegara Rucker.Following Dr. Watts, the models took to the stage and left the crowd in awe as they displayed the beautiful, one-of-a-kind fashions designed by the talentedstudents of Savannah Arts Academy. The show concluded with a showcase of each collection. The designers joined their models on the stage to showcase their creations.

February 2024 | 14On Saturday, January 27th, students, faculty, staff, and community members gathered at the Savannah Civic Center for the 15th Annual Student Success Expo! From performances to competitions and everything in between, our community showed up, and our students showed out!In addition to gathering college and career information, attendees enjoyed interactive displays and learned about all the public school options across the district while gaining valuable information related to program pathways. The Expo featured a “Teddy Bear Clinic" which focused on the Healthcare Science fields and showcases a collaboration between the school district and local healthcare professions and post-secondary institutions. The Expo featured all the district Choice programs including Performing Arts, Aviation Manufacturing and Service, Engineering, Welding, Aviation, Cosmetology, (Hair, Nails and Barbering), Culinary, Medical & Allied Health, Construction, Automotive Repair and Collision, Public Safety, and Logistics and more. Students and parents had the opportunity to learn more about a wide range of educational pathways that are sure to inspire a thirst for knowledge and higher learning. Students also had the opportunity to speak to college representatives from schools across the nation.The Student Success Expo and STEM Festival is the signatureapplication process for Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools’ Pre-K program and Little Acorn Academy programs for three-year-olds will also kicked off at the expo. We want to give a huge thanks to all of the students, faculty, staff, sponsors, and community members who made this event such a great success! See all the pictures from the big day here. 15th Annual Student Success Expoevent for the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, showcasing the seamless transition between education and connection between our programs of study, college and career options through information made available by schools, colleges, and business and industry partners.The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System's Choice Program Application process for SY 2024-25 kicked-off at the Expo. Parents were able to apply on-site for the Choice school or program that meets their child's interest (SY24-25). In addition, the lottery